Kendall College president resigns without explanation

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- After less than two years on the job, the president of a Kendall College Art and Design has resigned.

Dr. David Rosen sent an e-mail to students and faculty saying April 10 would be his last day. He says in the email that he voluntarily resigned in March and is satisfied with the terms of his departure.

Students formed a Facebook group in support of Rosen this week when rumors of his dismissal surfaced. Rosen says in his email he voluntarily resigned and that protests were being disruptive and not "in the best interest of the college, our students, alumni, or supporters."

Dr. Rosen helped Kendall merge with the Grand Rapids Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts last August and is highly regarded by many students.

Kendall is seeing someone go they don't want to see go," junior Jordan Ververg said. "It's really sad to see him go, he's done a ton a ton for Kendall in the past just two years. He just makes that connection to the students like no one else would."

In a follow up email recently from Ferris State University, of which Kendall College is now a part, President David Eisler says that Dr. Oliver Evans will act as interim president while a search begins for a new leader. Evans was the previous president of the college.

University spokesperson Marc Sheehan says that such personnel issues as employee resignations were considered confidential under university policy. However, he added the university had accepted Rosen's resignation with regret.

Read or Share this story: http://www.wzzm13.com/story/news/local/metro/2014/04/10/kendall-college-president-resigns/7549509/